Iran: Ancient Civilization and Contemporary Culture

Is the threat of war the best response to Iran’s nuclear program? Is the US media’s portrayal of Iran accurate? How do Iranians feel about the US government and people?

During this time of heightened US tensions with Iran and a backdrop of zero diplomacy for over 30 years, it has become even more important for Americans to educate themselves, and provide a counter balance to the United States' demonization of the country and people. Learn the complex facets of Iranian history, culture and the context of US-Iran relations.

Engage with Iranians as they go about their daily lives, and hear their hopes and fears for the future. Observe that despite censorship and social repression, Iranians continue to advance and struggle towards change.

Join Global Exchange Reality Tours as a citizen diplomat to do what our governments cannot do, create people-to-people ties. The Citizens Diplomacy Reality Tour to Iran will give participants a chance to see inside this much-maligned nation and gain first-hand experience of the effects of the political policies of both the United States and Iran.

Participants will have a chance to put a human face on this ongoing political dispute and help facilitate understanding and respect between people of different nations.

Through visiting cultural and historical sites, create the urgent people-to-people ties with Iranians necessary for building true international diplomacy and understanding

Note: Due to the heightened tension between the US and Iran, as well as a tense political climate within Iran, Global Exchange's Citizen Diplomacy delegations must adhere to a strict tourist itinerary and additional restrictions for US Citizens. Because of the current circumstances, meetings with government officials, NGOs and some religious minorities are restricted - whether organized through Global Exchange or through personal contacts. Nonetheless, we feel that citizen diplomacy in countries with which the US maintains a stance of isolation, is the first step to breaking the walls and barriers that stand before engagement and communication

Cost:

$3500.00

Price Includes:

This trip is on a "Full Board" basis

Accommodations in 3-4 star hotels

All program activities and entrance fees

Three meals per day

In-country transportation

English-speaking guides who will also be your trip facilitator

Assistance with acquiring visas

Tips, international airfare, visa fee, and personal expenses are not included

Price is based on double room accommodations; a single room can be requested at an additional cost of $775

How to Register:

IMPORTANT: For purposes of processing your Iranian Visa in a timely manner, please register by March 7th!

To register, please send in your application form and a deposit of $400. Payments by Mastercard, Visa and Discover are welcome. Deposits are non-refundable unless the trip is canceled by Global Exchange as explained below.

This trip requires a minimum number of participants so please apply early! To ensure that all participants can plan accordingly, the minimum number of participants must be reached 3 months before departure, or the trip will be canceled. If canceled,registered participants can choose to receive a full refund or transfer to a future group.

This trip will be as diverse as possible in terms of race, age and life experiences. We strongly urge people of color to apply. In some cases, a limited number of partial scholarships are available for low-income applicants.